Post navigation

Fluxion 4: Expanded Notes, No.2

This is the last part of a section in the issue that appeals to everyone to get involved. Integrating Huxley’s call to ATTENTION, from Island, which appears throughout the book, for added emphasis.

I wanted people to understand my intention in obscuring Che’s face so I add an explanation in this third presentation of the stylized image in the issue:

Armed revolutions aren’t a solution. Revolution by force leads to the corruption of the revolutionaries. Marxism is a failed experiment.

Korda’s iconic image of Che Guevara has become a symbol to represent the spirit of 20th century revolutionary values—“Power to the people!” “By any means necessary!” The velvet “revolutions” in Eastern Europe demonstrated that change is possible without violence.

Che is a symbol of the past. Create your own symbol for the future.Don’t expect someone else to liberate you.

This text also appears in a condensed form on the back of the sticker version.

This visual essay is titled “Embrace Change” and includes a few simple guidelines for engaging others-particularly people with whom we may disagree, in civil conversation.

I believe civil engagement is the foundation for substantive change.It’s not about changing minds on issue as much as building mutual respect and civil dialogue.

Right-wing talk radio has been at the forefront of reducing dialogue to shouting matches. The vicious decline of quality discourse they have led has now become a prominent feature of the standard Television media, and adds nothing of real use to any serious debate on the issues.

We cannot wait for the media to move past this…. we must demand it by example, by refusing to accept such reductive blather. There is no finish line. This is a permanent endeavor.The goal to move past both reductive methods of discourse as well as outmoded symbols for change.

The guidelines came directly for the writings of George Lakoff, a professor of cognitive linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley.

While there are many variations one could distill from his ideas I chose to go with:Engage others in civil conversationStart with yourself—ask yourself tough questions, educate yourself, consider multiple views. Learn how to discuss and frame topics.

Be preparedKnow your issues thoroughly. Recognize how others frame their views. Be sincere. Use frames you really believe in, based on values you really hold.

Be friendly, but Stand your groundSmile, always be on the offensive, never complain.

Be sincere, respectful, and listen Don’t negate another person’s view—don’t try to change their mind. Respond by reframing the issue from your perspective.Ask questions that might encourage or challenge them to think. Say what you believe Be passionate. Your body and voice should show optimism. You should convey passionate conviction without losing your composure.

Fluxionesque

This is the blog of Mark Christopher Harvey.
Topics are primarily personal art
projects and work in progress with some deviations into other peoples
artwork, expanded content from the Fluxion art journal, and occasionally topics on art & culture.